Erik Jones’ crew member to undergo NASCAR concussion protocol after sustaining injury on pit road

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A member of Erik Jones’ pit crew will undergo concussion protocol after being hospitalized Sunday night for injuries sustained during the NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, near St. Louis, Joe Gibbs Racing announced Monday.

Thomas Hatcher, Jones’ front tire changer, was admitted to St. Louis University Hospital after he was injured following a reported collision with another crew member when the No. 43 car was pitted on Lap 180 during the Enjoy Illinois 300. 

Erik Jones, driver of the #43 Bommarito.com Chevrolet, left, and Aric Almirola, driver of the #10 Smithfield Ford, race during the Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on June 4, 2023, in Madison, Illinois. (Jeff Curry/Getty Images)

"Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) pit crew member Thomas Hatcher was evaluated and released from St. Louis University Hospital following Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway," the statement reads.

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"After an initial evaluation in the Infield Care Center at the track he was transported to the hospital for further testing. Hatcher has been cleared and has returned home. He will undergo the NASCAR concussion protocol this week and his status for this week will be updated."

Announcers during FOX Sports’ broadcast of the race on Sunday indicated that Hatcher "got tangled up" with another tire carrier during the race before falling to the ground and being carried off in a stretcher. Other reports described it as a "head-on" collision.

Erik Jones, driver of the #43 Bommarito.com Chevrolet, drives